KWS warns motorists against off-road driving in national parks

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has warned motorists visiting national parks to avoid driving off designated roads as ongoing rains continue to make several parks muddy and prone to flash floods.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, KWS said a number of vehicles have already been stuck after motorists ignored marked routes, forcing rangers to divert from their core duty of wildlife protection to conduct rescues.

The service identified Nairobi National Park as one of the most affected areas, with heavy rains rendering some tracks impassable. KWS urged visitors using private vehicles to prioritise safety by sticking to official roads.

The warning comes as parks record increased visitor numbers during the festive season. To ease access, KWS has deployed shuttle buses in Nairobi, Aberdare and Lake Nakuru national parks through the holiday period.